Original Items: Only One Lot of 4 Available. These are 4 beautiful examples of the service flags that were and still currently are, being displayed to represent loved ones serving overseas. They are all in good, displayable condition and offer a lovely variety of types and would not clash with each other while displayed.

The Banners Are As Follows:
- Small 4 Star Service Banner: Measures approximately 12” x 11 ½” and retains hanging hardware and dowel.
- US Navy Service Flag With Naval Amphibious Forces Shoulder Sleeve Insignia and Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Rank Insignia: Good, but delicate condition and measures approximately 18” x 11 ½”.
- Coast Guard In Service: Good condition and measures approximately 11” x 9”
- “Welcome Home Ernie” Homecoming Flag: Good but delicate condition.

A lovely assortment ready for further research and display.

Based on the star symbols used on the service flag, the term "Blue Star" has come into use in the United States as a reference to having a family member in active military service, while the term "Gold Star" has come to refer to the loss of a family member in military service. For example, the mother of a person who died in service is referred to as a "Gold Star mother", and the wife of an active service member is referred to as a "Blue Star wife". Charitable support organizations have been established for Gold Star mothers, Gold Star wives, Blue Star mothers, and Blue Star wives. The last Sunday in September is observed as Gold Star Mother's Day, Gold Star family members are entitled to wear a Gold Star Lapel Button, and all 50 U.S. states and Guam offer some form of a specialty license plate for motor vehicles owned by Gold Star family members.

The use of the terms has sometimes been restricted to refer to service during specific armed conflicts. For example, the service banner originally applied only to World War I, and it was later expanded to include service in World War II, then the Korean War, then other specific conflicts, and then "any period of war or hostilities". In some current uses of the "star" terminology, there is no longer any distinction made about the place or time or degree of hostility involved in the military service. For Gold Stars, the Department of Defense also makes a distinction about the manner and place of death, but some other organizations do not. The Gold Star term is also sometimes interpreted to apply to those missing in action and those who did not die during active service but died later as a result of an in-service injury.

A lesser-known practice of using a silver star to indicate a service member that has been disabled is sometimes also followed, although this practice is not recognized in federal law.